Riga is the largest city in all three of the Baltic states, with over a third of Latvia’s population living in the city centre. After spending time there, it was easy to see why, and it has quickly become one of my favourite places to visit and the perfect city break.
With cafes, restaurants, shops, museums and galleries on every corner, Riga is a hub of life, fun and full of places to get your caffeine fix. Here are the top 5 kookiest places to refresh and refuel.
BLACK MAGIC
Easily one of my favourite spots in Riga. With its quirky, medieval chocolatier theme and inviting staff tempting you with decadent, handmade sweets by candlelight; it’s hard not to love. A warm, cosy atmosphere, plush seating and large array of chocolates, hot drinks, cocktails, and endless supplies of handmade sweets being bought up from the kitchen; it’s easy to get lost in time.
Kalu iela 10
Riga
1050
Latvia
2. PARUNASIM KAFE'TEEKA
Self-proclaimed as the most romantic café in Riga, I can vouch that it might also be the cosiest. Hidden away in Old Town Riga, it’s one of the most picturesque cafes in the city. They have a fantastic range of handmade cakes and offer soup and quiches for savoury lunch options too. Open from 11am-11pm they also have your evening covered as it turns into a cocktail bar by night. Word does travel far with the ratings of this café, you’ll potentially be fighting for a table but it’s well worth it.
Maza Pils iela 4
Centra rajons
Riga
1050
Latvia
3. THIS PLACE DOESN'T NEED A NAME
If this place did have a name, it would be ‘tastiest breakfast in town’…if you can get a table. This place is so tasty in fact that I have circled the whole area waiting for one to become free instead of going somewhere else. An unbeatable selection of both sweet and savoury dishes, amazing choices of teas, coffees, hot chocolates, and cocktails. There really isn’t much to fault.
Avotu iela 4
Latgales priekspilseta
Riga
1011
Latvia
4. RIGENSIS
Rigensis is your go-to local Latvian bakery located in the centre of Old Town Riga. With plenty of seats inside, it is a great hangout spot; but don’t get too complacent as it does get very busy! It’s a place about the food more than the service, but it’s extremely well priced. With its huge selection of desserts, pastries, bread, it’s very hard to go hungry here if you’re looking for a sweet treat and much needed break.
Tirgonu iela 8
Riga
Lativa
5. CAFE LENINGRAD
Styled like you’ve stepped back in time to the soviet era, this café is the king of kooky. You could spend hours here just looking at all the knick-nacks. Serving both food and drinks it’s a great pit stop for a coffee or lunch and doubles up as a bar in the evening. The staff are brilliant, friendly and welcoming too. An eclectic mix of autographed bras, boardgames and fun.
Krisjana Valdemara iela 4
Centra rajons
Riga
LV-1050
Latvia
